Summer 2026 in Walnut Creek: What’s On
Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, and Walnut Creek is ready. From outdoor concerts to farmers markets, here’s your guide to making the most of the season in and around downtown.
Farmers Market: Sundays on Locust
The Walnut Creek Farmers Market runs every Sunday, 9am to 1pm on Locust Street between Cole and Lacassie. It’s one of the largest weekly markets in Contra Costa County, with 50+ vendors offering California-grown produce, fresh-cut flowers, artisan breads, local honey, and hot food stalls.
Pro tip: Go early (before 10am) for the best produce selection, or go late (after noon) for markdown deals and shorter lines at the food stalls.
Outdoor Movies & Concerts at Civic Park
The city’s summer events calendar at Civic Park (1375 Civic Drive) kicks off in June with the Movies Under the Stars series and the Summer Concert Series. Both are free and open to the public. Bring blankets, low-back chairs, and a picnic — or grab takeout from one of the dozen-plus downtown restaurants within a 5-minute walk.
Check the city events calendar for the full lineup.
Trails & Open Space
Walnut Creek is ringed by 2,800 acres of open space, and summer is the season to use it. The Iron Horse Regional Trail runs 32 miles from Concord to Pleasanton, with the Walnut Creek section passing directly through downtown. For a more challenging hike, Shell Ridge Open Space and Lime Ridge Open Space offer panoramic views of Mt. Diablo and the valley.
The East Bay Regional Park District maintains trail maps and conditions for all Walnut Creek-adjacent parks. Go early or late to beat the midday heat, and always carry water — summer temps regularly hit the 90s.
Movies Under the Stars: Select Fridays, Civic Park (Jun–Aug)
Summer Concert Series: Select Saturdays, Civic Park (Jun–Sep)
First Friday Downtown: First Friday monthly, Main St / Locust area
Broadway Plaza Summer Stroll: Ongoing, extended evening hours at retailers
Beat the Heat: Practical Tips
Walnut Creek summers are inland-hot — regularly 10-15 degrees warmer than San Francisco. When temps spike above 95, the Walnut Creek Library (1644 N Broadway) serves as a cooling center during business hours. The Clarke Swim Center at Heather Farm Park offers public lap swim and recreational hours — check the city website for the summer schedule.
